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UTV seeks licence for Dublin radio expansion

UTV, the Belfast-based publicly quoted broadcaster, is considering expanding its radio presence in Dublin after the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) last week invited applications for four new radio licences in the capital.

Jim Downey, UTV’s group finance director, confirmed that the company’s board of directors will discuss an application for one of the new licences when it meets in Dublin tomorrow. Downey said: “The ‘number one’ licence would be specifically of interest. This is a major licence in terms of what it’s offering and we will look at it very seriously.”

This licence covers Dublin city and county, giving it a potential audience of more than a million people. Of the four licences being proposed by the BCI, it would hold the most appeal for UTV and other broadcasters. Of the three other licences, one is for Dublin city and part of Dublin county while the remaining licences restrict